Published Date: 1997-02-28 23:50:00
Subject: PRO/PL> Sorghum ergot - Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia,
Archive Number: 19970228.0460

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SORGHUM ERGOT - Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Australia
===============================================================
Date: October 1995 - June 1996
From: ICRISAT <icrisat@cgnet.com>
Via: Pamela Anderson <p.anderson@cgnet.com>
Ergot is a serious disease that reduces seed yield and quality in hybrid seed
production fields, particularly if seed set is delayed in male-sterile lines.
Several countries have strict quarantine regulations barring the import of
seed from affected areas. [Ergot can be caused by two fungal pathogens;
Indian and African. The sexual stage of the Indian pathogen is _Claviceps
sorghi_, and of the African pathogen is _C. africana_. The asexual stage of
both fungi is _Sphacelia sorghi_ - Mod PKA]
Although initially restricted to Asia and Africa, ergot was first noticed in
1995 in Brazil where it caused a widespread epidemic covering 800,000 km2 in
a week; the seed industry there incurred an estimated loss of US $3 million.
By 1996, the disease was also found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia.
Further movement of the disease into the USA is a real threat unless
preventive measures are taken.
In April 1996, the disease was reported in southern Queensland where it
spread over 60,000 km2 in 3 weeks.
Sorghum researchers and the seed industries in Australia, Brazil, and the USA
are very worried because of the near-total dependence of farmers on hybrids.
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
sorghum ergot research in collaboration with several African national
programs, has identified ergot-resistant germplasm. Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, a
Senior Plant Pathologist from ICRISAT visited Brazil to advise the national
program and the seed industry.
Citation: Sorghum ergot on the rampage. SAT (Semi-arid Tropics) News.
Issue No. 19 October 1995 - June 1996. p. 13.
--
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(ICRISAT)
Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh
India
http://www.cgiar.org/icrisat
e-mail: <icrisat@cgnet.com>
.....................................................................pa/chc
--
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